York Vikings swapped their Nordic wear for full Saxon battle-dress at the start of a mammoth trek down to Hastings.

More than 100 Saxon warriors, including members of the group York Vikings, gathered at the Eye of York before their 300-mile journey.

The warriors will retrace King Harold's original steps towards the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

They will then re-enact the fight between King Harold and William the Conqueror.

The event is being organised to raise money for NCH Action for Children and the Saxon soldiers will collect donations from the public along their route.

Before setting off, the group gave demonstrations of crafts from the period, such as weaving and spinning, and demonstrated their fighting skills in front shoppers in the Coppergate Centre.